Padded Sock

ABSTRACT

A sock is provided to with to be worn by a wearer. The sock includes (i) a set of two straps, (ii) a set of five LEDs, (iii) a push button, and (iv) a battery. The set of two straps are coupled to the sock from the sides of the sock. The set of five LEDs is coupled to the plurality of straps and the push button for operating LEDs with the help of the battery.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiment herein generally relates to a pair of socks, and more particularly to a pair of socks with one or more detachable straps, one or more LEDs and detachable soles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pair of socks is particularly intended to be worn in environments where the feet of a wearer may be exposed to adverse conditions, such as in outdoor camping and sporting activities, where both cold and hot conditions are commonly encountered. In all the cases, it becomes very important that the pair of socks provides desired warmth and comfort.

While walking, jogging and running, the wearer often faces problems, such as combating lower back, knee-pain, foot-pain, and burning foot in extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the wearer may also face difficulty while running or walking in case the wearer is going through any medical issues and health related problems. Additionally, the currently available pair of socks fails to withstand the impact of prolonged outdoor activities. Sometimes, tendon and muscle imbalance may cause pain and stiffness in a big toe of a foot i.e. bunion. This causes the big toe to point outward and rotates towards a smaller toe of the foot. Moreover, the misalignment of foot may result in painful grinding of the knees and lower back pain. In medical terms, the wearer is made to put a special footwear, where an uneven distribution of pressure indicates a musculo-skeletal problem such as different leg lengths or misaligned posture.

Accordingly there remains a need for a pair of socks that adds to the comfort of the wearer while simultaneously resolving medical issues and health related problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a footwear article with a plurality of straps. The footwear article preferably includes at least one sock, the at least one sock comprising (i) a plurality of straps, (ii) a plurality of LEDs, (iii) a push button, and (iv) a battery. The plurality of straps is coupled to the at least one sock from the sides of the at least one sock. The plurality of LEDs is coupled to the plurality of straps. The push button is coupled to the at least one sock for operating the plurality of LEDs powered by the battery.

In one embodiment, the footwear article comprises a set of two straps. The set of two straps is preferably detachable. In another embodiment, the footwear article comprises a set of LEDs. The LEDs are a color selected from the group consisting of red, blue, green, white, pink and purple.

In another aspect of present invention, the at least one sock comprises (i) a set of two straps, (ii) a set of one or more LEDs, (iii) a push button, and (iv) a battery. The set of two straps are coupled to the at least one sock from the sides of the at least one sock. The set of one or more LEDs is coupled to the plurality of straps and the push button for operating the one or more LEDs powered by the battery.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a sock having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a sublayer such that a cavity or sleeve is fashioned on the underside of the sock, wherein the sublayer comprises an opening positioned at the heel region of the sock, the opening having a dimension suitable to accommodate at least one padding element for insertion into the cavity of the sublayer in order to provide support to an individual wearing the sock.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foot of a wearer wearing a sock with one or more LEDs according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the sock of the present invention with one or more straps and one or more clasps according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the sock of the present invention, with one or more straps and one or more hoops according to an embodiment herein; and

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the sock of FIG. 1 with one or more pads according to an embodiment herein.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of an article of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an article of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the sock embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the sock embodiment of FIG. 7, indicating positions of padding underneath the sock.

FIG. 9 depicts a rear isometric view of sock having a detachable sole embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the sock having a detachable sole embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

As mentioned, there remains a need of a cheap, attractive, pain relieving and medicated pair of socks.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of a foot of a wearer wearing a sock 102 with one or more LEDs 106 according to an embodiment herein. The sock 102 comprises one or more straps 104, the one or more LEDs 106, a push button 108, and a battery (not shown). The one or more straps 104 may originate from the sides of the sock 102. In one embodiment, the sock 102 comprises a set of two straps 104. In another embodiment, the one or more straps 104 are detachable. The one or more LEDs 106 is attached to the one or more straps 104 as either snapped in place or otherwise embedded at various locations along the one or more straps 104. In one embodiment, the one or more LEDs may be red, blue, green, white, pink, purple or any other color. In one embodiment, the sock 102 comprises a set of five LEDs. The push button 108 couples to the sock 102 for operating LEDs 106 which are powered by the battery. In one embodiment, the battery is replaceable.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the sock of the present invention, comprising one or more straps and one or more clasps according to an embodiment herein. The sock 102 includes a first clasp 110A, a second clasp 110B, a first strap 104A and, a second strap 104B. The first strap 104A and the second strap 104B are detachably coupled to the sock 102 using the first clasp 110A and the second clasp 110B. In one embodiment, the first clasp may be a first snap and the second clasp may be a second snap.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the sock of the present invention, comprising one or more straps and one or more hoops according to an embodiment herein. The sock 102 includes the first strap 104A, the second strap 104B, a first hoop 112A, and a second hoop 112B. The first strap 104A is sewn on the first hoop 112A and the second strap 104B is sewn on the second hoop 112B.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view 1 another embodiment of the sock of the present invention with one or more pads embedded in the sole portion of the sock. The sock 102 includes a first pad 114, a second pad 116 and, a third pad 118. The first pad 114 couples to the sock 102 at a hallux valgus portion of the foot. The second pad 116 couples to the sock 102 at a plantar fascia portion of the foot. The third pad 118 couples to the sock 102 at a sesamoid portion of the foot. In one embodiment, the first pad 114, the second pad 116 and, the third pad 118 are sewn to the bottom portion of the sock 102.

The first pad 114 assists in relieving the pain and stiffness of the big toe, irritated skin around the bunion, pain when walking, joint redness, and possible shift of the big toe toward the other toes. The second pad 116 assists in relieving the pain in the heel and, the bottom of the foot. The third pad 118 assists in relieving the pain that usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually as the aggravating activity is continued. In addition, the pad redistributes the pressure of weight bearing to other parts of the forefoot.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the articles described herein. Sock/shoe 202 is provided having a lower surface 210 and an upper surface 220. Lower surface 210 further comprises a sublayer therein, such that a cavity or sleeve is formed at opening 205. The opening 205 allows for the insertion of a padding element (not shown) to be introduced into the cavity running in between the bottom of a foot and the lower surface 210.

The sock assists in preventing the pain and stiffness of the big toe, that may, in long term, cause knee-pain, foot-pain and, the pain that usually begins as a mild ache. The one or more pads help to prevent the medical and health related problems. The pad is sewn under the sock in designated areas that assists in proper foot alignment, thereby assisting in preventing any harm to spine due to misalignment of foot. The sock embodiments of the present invention promise certain health benefits over the long term for the wearer. Moreover, the sock comes in a variety of colors as well as patterns to provide certain aesthetic effects. Additionally, the sock comes in variety of size to capture all the age groups, and in variety of materials depending upon the market trend. From safety point of view, the one or more LEDs present in the sock provide great visibility in dark by providing a better night vision. A person can see the wearer of the sock from a large distance by seeing the light emitted from the one or more LEDs. The wearer may wear the LEDs on the socks as well as on the wrist.

The materials used in the socks may be natural or synthetic in origin. Examples of natural materials may include raffia, cotton, silk, cashmere, bamboo, leather, potato, corn and wheat, or any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the materials may be synthetic in origin and may include rubber, plastic, spandex, polyester or any combinations thereof.

The one or more straps of the present invention are utilized for multiple purposes. Certain straps may accommodate style or design choices by the user. Alternatively, certain straps, as contemplated in the present invention, provide for additional grip and support in order to ensure the socks maintain proper formation around the leg, ankle and foot of a user.

In another aspect of the present invention, the socks comprise more than one lower layer comprising a first material and a second material. The first material may be the same material as the sock material and the second material may be of a firmer material than the first material. Optionally, the lower layer of the sock is subdivided such that the lower layer of the sock comprises in opening in the heel section to insert a padding element within the subdivision of the lower layer of the sock. The padding element may be detachable, wherein the detachable padding element may be in between the bottom of the foot and the top of an optional sole portion composed of the second material.

In yet another aspect, the sock further comprises more than one layer of material underneath the sock such that a sublayer in the form of a cavity or sleeve is present at the underside of the sock to accommodate an insertion of a padding element.

Preferably, the padding material comprises a type of foam that may be molded to suit specific sizes and shapes. Most preferably, the type of foam used as the padding material may be ethylene vinyl acetate or memory foam.

In other embodiments, the socks of the present invention provide for a detachable sole, wherein the sole material is made of a firmer material than that of the sock material. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a sock having a detachable sole 320 with detaching means 315 and a top material 310. Preferably, top material 310 is made of softer material than detachable sole 320.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show alternative embodiments of the socks of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary arrangement of the strap alignment and FIG. 8 shows arrangements of marketing or advertising options positioned at the sole portion of the sock.

FIGS. 9 and 10 represent an alternative embodiment to the detachable sole feature of the socks of the present invention. Additionally, these figures provide for alternative arrangements and positions of the straps, as well as different locations for strap attachment to the sock.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable garment for a foot of an individual, comprising a sock, wherein the sock further comprises a plurality of straps, a plurality of LEDs, a push button and at least one battery, wherein the sock further comprises more than one layer of material underneath the sock such that a sublayer in the form of a cavity or sleeve is present at the underside of the sock.
 2. The wearable garment of claim 1, further wherein the plurality of straps are attached on opposing sides of the sock.
 3. The wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are embedded within the plurality of straps.
 4. The wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the push bottom operates the plurality of LEDs.
 5. The wearable garment of claim 1, wherein a padding element is included within the cavity or sleeve of the sublayer.
 6. A sock comprising at least two straps positioned proximal to a heal portion of an individual, wherein the at least two straps comprise one or more LEDs embedded within the at least two straps, the sock further comprising a push button and at least one battery.
 7. A sock having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a sublayer such that a cavity or sleeve is fashioned on the underside of the sock, wherein the sublayer comprises an opening positioned at the heel region of the sock, the opening having a dimension suitable to accommodate at least one padding element for insertion into the cavity of the sublayer in order to provide support to an individual wearing the sock. 